Taylor-Dallas

A woman enjoying a cocktail at Elm & Good during a one day adventure in Dallas

Dallas, Texas is a thriving city located in Northeastern Texas. It is the 9th largest city in the United States and it is also a metropolitan city shared with Fort Worth. Located in Dallas are great restaurants, museums, music venues, art galleries, hotels and so much more. Whether you’re spending a long time in Dallas or one day, there are endless things to enjoy!

During late April 2021, I visited Dallas, Texas with Alex of East Coast Contessa. We enjoyed one day in Dallas before heading north into Oklahoma where we spent the rest of our time doing a secluded getaway in the woods of Broken Bow with Linnea of Popovers and Passports and Andie of Airplane Andie.

A woman enjoying the Texas bluebonnets in Ennis

Even though Alex and I only spent one day and night in Dallas, Texas, we got to enjoy a lot of amazing things the city offers, including a half day trip to see the Texas bluebonnets. In addition, we also stayed at the posh and trendy Kimpton Pittman Hotel Dallas located in the Deep Ellum section of the city.

In this article, discover all of the top things to do with one day in Dallas and find out why it is one of the 40 best places to visit in Texas.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Dallas, Texas, Kimpton Pittman Hotel Dallas hosted me for one night. Elm & Good also hosted me for a brunch during my time in Dallas.


Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

One day in Dallas, Texas - what to do

Traveling to and around Dallas, Texas:

One Day in Dallas, Texas

It is fairly easy to get to Dallas from anywhere in the United States or the world because it offers major airport hubs. For my trip to Dallas, I took an affordable flight from New York’s LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York to Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas. The best way to get from the airport to your accommodation is via Go Airport Shuttle!

Once I was in Dallas, I got around via Uber and Lyft. Other ways to get around is through Dallas’ public transportation services. There is a light rail network, a single commuter train, city buses, streetcars and taxis.

If you are looking to explore beyond Dallas and adventure around Texas or other surrounding states, I recommend renting a car. (Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)

Staying at Kimpton Pittman Hotel in Dallas:

A woman enjoying breakfast at Kimpton Pittman Dallas during her one day and night in the city

During my one day and night in Dallas, I stayed at the stunning Kimpton Pittman Hotel. This luxurious boutique hotel is situated in Downtown Dallas’ Deep Ellum area where legendary 1920’s blues musicians once played.

I got one of the best night’s sleep during my time at Pittman Hotel Dallas because the beds at Kimpton are extremely comfortable! Our Essential Two Queens room included two cozy queen-sized beds, a spacious en-suite bathroom, Atelier Bloem bath amenities and modern décor. We were also welcomed to a lovely breakfast in our room that consisted of Southern biscuits with homemade jams, fresh fruit and Bloody Mary’s.

The queen room at Kimpton Pittman Dallas for one day and night in the city

In addition to the Essential Two Queens room; there is an Essential One King room; King Spa Studio with a bathtub; Signature One King room and Signature Two Queens room. Click here to learn more.

There is also a plethora of suites to choose from at Kimpton Pittman Hotel. There is a One Bedroom Suite that has a king-size bed and spa bathroom with a tub; Historic King Suite; Historic Queen Suite; Presidential Suite with a living and dining area, kitchen and bar, parlor and luxury suite bathroom; Epic Suite and the Pittman Suite.  

The lobby at Pittman Hotel Dallas

Overall, Pittman Hotel Dallas is a true gem in the city because not only does it offer a stunning lobby, cozy and clean rooms, modern conference rooms, a lovely restaurant and beautiful décor, there is also a pool with cabanas to enjoy on a warm day, fire pits to savor delicious s’mores on a cool evening and bikes you can rent to take around Dallas so that you can visit the many museums, parks, shops, etc.

The Pittman Hotel in Dallas also offers three dining options. Elm & Good, which is located inside of the hotel (and offers an outdoor patio), features seasonal, American tavern-inspired cooking. At this eclectic restaurant, you can savor wood-fired meats and vegetables along with handmade pastas and delicious farm-to-table meals. The bar at Elm & Good also offers creative cocktails, a renowned wine list and Dallas craft beers. All of the meals served at Elm & Good are made by Executive Chef Graham Dodds, who has received numerous awards for this cooking.

The pool at Kimpton Pittman Hotel Dallas

Deep End at Kimpton Pittman is a poolside service where you can enjoy delicious eats, refreshing beverages and so much more by the pool, cabanas and fire pits. The Pittman Hotel Dallas also offers private dining rooms for romantic occasions, business meetings, wedding receptions and more.

Overall, Kimpton Pittman Hotel Dallas is the perfect hotel to stay at if you’re on a day trip to Dallas, visiting the city, “staycationing” there or are on a business trip!

What to do with One Day in Dallas:

A woman enjoying brunch at XOXO Dining in Dallas, Texas during her one day in the city

Enjoy Brunch at XOXO Dining Room & Garden during 1 Day in Dallas:

XOXO Dining & Garden in Dallas

Since we were in Dallas on a Sunday, it was only appropriate to enjoy a lovely brunch in the city. Linnea is a Dallas foodie and she recommended a plethora of great restaurants for us to explore during our day in Dallas and one of those spots was XOXO Dining.

XOXO Dining - one of the best brunch spots during one day in Dallas

XOXO Dining Room & Garden is considered a speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge that came from inspiration by London’s famous Sketch restaurant. It is the perfect place to visit on a girls’ trip to Dallas and it makes for a wonderful birthday celebration, bachelorette party and more.

XOXO Dining in Dallas, Texas

This pretty pink building on the outside also has walls, booths and murals covered in blush pink with velvet accent seating and trendy décor. What is also epic about this lovely spot is that each booth has a “press for Champagne” button!

A bread basket to enjoy during one day in Dallas

Overall, XOXO Dining features American cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Zach Warner. During our brunch, both Alex and I got the “Pink Drink” that consisted of Ciroc Mango, champagne and strawberry juice. Next, we got the breadbasket that that had regular and chocolate croissants, biscuits, vanilla pound cake and pistachio pound cake, which was amazing! For our main meals, I had the chicken and waffles and Alex savored the lobster Benedict! Everything was delicious!

Chicken and waffles for burnch during one day in Dallas

If you’re looking for an amazing brunch spot during your one day in Dallas, definitely check out XOXO Dining Room & Garden you will not be disappointed.

Admire Beautiful Nature at Dallas Arboretum during Your Day Trip to Dallas:

Visiting the Dallas Arboretum during one day in Dallas

One of the top places to get your nature fix in Dallas, Texas is by visiting the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. In fact, this specific arboretum has been listed among the top arboretums in the world!

The top gardens to visit at the Dallas Arboretum are the Woman’s Garden, which features sculptures, fountains, an infinity pool and flowers; Jonsson Color Garden, which has picturesque beds of seasonal flowers and plants along with lush green lawns; the Red Maple Rill offers a fabulous collection of over 80 varieties of signature Japanese Maples; Crape Myrtle Allee, which are sweeping crape myrtle trees that enclose a romantic walkway to a gorgeous garden; Pecan Grove, which boasts an awesome fall festival with a beautiful pumpkin display; the rose garden that offers beautifully colorful roses and more!

These stunning 66 acres of flora and nature will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated during your one day in Dallas. In addition to all of the gardens, the Dallas Arboretum also hosts a lot of events and educational activities throughout the year!

Sip Crafted Cocktails at Happy Hour at Elm & Good:

Happy hour at Elm & Good during one day in Dallas

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Throughout Dallas are numerous bars and restaurants that offer a great happy hour scene. In fact, from what I experienced, Dallas had one of the most exciting happy hour scenes in the U.S. No matter where you decide to enjoy your afternoon cocktail, you can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor venues during your day trip in Dallas.

Since Alex and I were staying at the Pittman Hotel, we couldn’t wait to grab a crafted cocktail at Elm & Good! I absolutely loved the bar there and the bartender himself was amazing at his craft. I enjoyed the “Morado Oscuro”, which was a mezcal made with hibiscus, lime, vanilla and cayenne. Alex, being from Kentucky, had a smoked bourbon drink called “Smokin’ Mary” that included charred pineapple, orange cordial, lime and cranberry.

The presentation of these beverages were beautiful and they were both super tasty. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel or you live in Dallas, I definitely recommend making your way to this lovely spot for good food and drinks! A great part about it is that you can even take your meal and drinks outside by the pool.

Explore Dallas’ Sights to See – Go Mural Hunting:

Deep Ellum mural in Dallas, Texas

Spotted all throughout Dallas, Texas are a plethora of “Instagrammable” murals to admire and take photos in front of. Here is a list of the best spots in Dallas for pictures by Helene in Between, who is a Dallas native.

No matter where you wander to through the Deep Ellum area, you will not miss out on some beautiful murals. A few popular Deep Ellum murals you definitely have to see are the American Flag, “Believe in Yourself”, the Sun Mural, “Good Morning Dallas”, the iconic Deep Ellum Mural and more!

Savor a Delicious Dinner during Your One Day in Dallas:

A noodie dish for dinner during one day in Dallas

Not only does Dallas offer incredible brunch spots, bars and a great art scene, there are also numerous restaurants that you must check out for dinner during your fun day in the city.

During our one day in Dallas, Alex and I met up with our fellow travel blogger friend Shwetha of Chasing Shwetha, who lives in the city, and we enjoyed a delicious noodle dinner at Monkey King Noodle Company. This super casual spot offers outdoor and indoor dining and you can savor a variety of noodle dishes, dumplings, fried rice and craft beer. Everything was delicious!

In addition to Monkey King Noodle Company, some other great spots that were recommended to me were rise n°1, which is a soufflé restaurant, Pecan Lodge for Texas barbecue, Pepe’s & Mito’s Mexican Café for Tex Mex and Lucia for Italian food in Dallas.

Overall, Texas is known for it’s delicious BBQ and Tex Mex. I actually had the best Tex Mex dinner of my life at a restaurant I don’t (unfortunately) remember when I visited Houston for a work trip in 2016 and I also had the best barbecue lunch during my time in Austin when I visited for TravelCon in 2018.

Do a Half Day Trip to Ennis from Dallas to see the Texas Bluebonnets:

A woman enjoying bluebonnet season in Ennis, Texas

A trip to Dallas, Texas, especially during the month of April, would not be complete without seeing the bluebonnets. If you didn’t already know, the bluebonnet is the Texas state flower and you can spot them in various parts of the state, but mainly outside of Houston, Austin and Dallas.

Seeing the Texas Bluebonnets had been on my bucket list for a while and I was so excited when Linnea told us that they were still in bloom when we visited the Dallas area. We actually got extremely lucky that we were able to see the bluebonnets! The Texas Bluebonnets are usually in peak bloom from early to mid-April and are dead by the end of April. (Sometimes, they even peak at the end of March. It all depends on the weather during the seasons. Since Texas experienced a cold winter, the blooms came out later in April.)

Texas Bluebonnets in Ennis

The bluebonnet is a weed that got its name because the flower looks like a bonnet worn by pioneer women to protect them from the sun. Located less than 45 minutes south of Dallas is a rural town called Ennis. (It is best that you rent a car to get there, thankfully, since Linnea lives in Dallas, she was able to drive us all with her own car.) Every year, during bluebonnet season, Ennis has their own Bluebonnet Trails and Festival!

Depending on when you go, the bluebonnets are in full bloom in specific spots. You may have to drive around and search for them, but we came across these specific fields on Zmolek Road, which is part of the South Trail. This field is actually located on someone’s property, but the gentleman who lives there is very welcoming and allows visitors to enjoy his bluebonnets for free! He will even take you on his tractor to the backyard of the house, which has a yellow chair in the middle of the fields! These Dallas flower fields are absolutely beautiful!

Women in Ennis bluebonnet fields

*Please note that prior to visiting Ennis (or anywhere in Texas) that it is actually illegal to pick the bluebonnets on state own land (like State Parks) because it is the State Flower.

The bluebonnet fields are also home to fire ants. I highly recommend wearing closed toe shoes when you visit these fields because these little ants bite and they sting! (I know from experience LOL.)

Bonus – Start the Day with Brunch at Elm & Good:

Brunch at Elm & Good during one day in Dallas

In addition to a great lunch, dinner and drink menu, Elm & Good in Kimpton Pittman Hotel offers an amazing weekend and weekday brunch for guests, locals and Dallas visitors to enjoy.

After spending the night at Pittman Hotel Dallas, there was nothing better than grabbing brunch at Elm & Good to fuel up for our road trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma. During our brunch, both Alex and I had mimosas and lattes. Meal-wise, I enjoyed the all-American breakfast of fried eggs, bacon, potatoes and rye toast and Alex savored the brisket breakfast hash that came with over-easy eggs, potatoes, red onions, herbs and piquillo vin. Everything was awesome!

Discover other Points of Interest in Dallas, TX:

Below are other great spots to visit and things to do in Dallas in a day from tours to shops:

Click here to book a Dallas walking tour during your one day excursion.


A woman in the bluebonnet fields of Ennis, Texas

Here are other great U.S. cities to visit:

What to do with One Day in Charlotte

One Day in Boise, Idaho

One Day in Mystic, Connecticut

Planning a memorable USA trip? Find more USA travel tips here.

Overall, we had the best day in Dallas! I hope you all enjoyed discovering the top things to do with one day in Dallas, Texas and reading about my experience at Kimpton Pittman Hotel in Deep Ellum. If you have any questions about my time in Dallas, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of the United States:

Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., TX State Capital: Austin, Time Zone: Most of Texas, including Dallas, is on Central Standard Time, except for West Texas, which is on Mountain Standard Time.

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

Shop my Dallas Look:

Click here to shop my Poshmark closet!

Related posts

Best Fall Weekend Trips from NJ: Top Road Trip Ideas

Not only is New Jersey one of the best places to experience the fall with its beautiful foliage and fun...
check out the post

20 Best Places to Spend New Year’s in the USA:

There is nothing more fun than a New Year Celebration! From watching the famous ball drop in Times Square, NYC,...
check out the post

14 Best Countries to Visit in August in the World

August is the perfect time to go on one last summer trip before the fall season starts and the kids...
check out the post

34 Comments

  1. Kim Deer on May 18, 2021 at 11:42 pm

    Dallas, Texas looks so beautiful ~ love the hotel you stayed at, the great restaurants you ate at, breweries and blue bonnet blooms ~ looks like you had an amazing time ~ love all the beautiful photos of you! Love you, mom 👩 xoxo ♥️

    • Taylor Deer on May 19, 2021 at 1:16 pm

      Thank you mom! It was such a nice short stay and I was so happy to have seen the bluebonnets when I was there. 🙂 Love you too!

  2. Katie on May 19, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    Wow the flower field looks amazing!!! I love seeing all of your domestic travels! They are always so unique!

    • Taylor Deer on May 19, 2021 at 1:17 pm

      It was so beautiful there and thank you Katie! The U.S. definitely has a ton of unique spots all throughout. 🙂

  3. Cosette on May 19, 2021 at 1:48 pm

    Would love to see the Blue Bonnet fields in bloom, they look so beautiful. We only visited Fort Worth when we were in the area, and skipped Dallas, but it looks like we need to come back.

    • Taylor Deer on May 19, 2021 at 7:17 pm

      Yes, I highly recommend revisiting during bluebonnet season. The weather was absolutely beautiful! 🙂

  4. Bri on May 19, 2021 at 7:11 pm

    I’ve always wanted to visit Dallas, Austin, and other cities in Texas since my grandmother is Texan! Beautiful photos, Taylor!

    • Taylor Deer on May 19, 2021 at 7:18 pm

      Thank you Bri! Both Dallas and Austin were great cities. I personally didn’t care too much for Houston though.

  5. Jenny on May 21, 2021 at 8:26 pm

    I’d love to go to Dallas! It’s on my list of places to try get to this year. Those bluebonnets are so beautiful, great photos. I’ll be saving this for ideas for later 🙂

    • Taylor Deer on May 21, 2021 at 8:31 pm

      Thank you Jenny! It’s a fun city with a lot to do. 🙂

  6. lisa on May 21, 2021 at 9:15 pm

    OMG, you got so much done in one day! you’re making me want to plan a spontaneous trip out to dallas for the weekend!!

    • Taylor Deer on May 21, 2021 at 11:10 pm

      Ah thank you Lisa! You totally should go. There are a lot of fun things to do there. 🙂

  7. Poonam on May 22, 2021 at 12:00 am

    I’m such a sucker for brunch and XOXO Dining looks fantastic. I haven’t been to Dallas or any part of Texas but definitely hope to soon!

    • Taylor Deer on May 22, 2021 at 12:49 am

      Yes, XOXO Dining was so much fun and the food was really good as well! Overall, Dallas is a great city. 🙂

  8. Ophelie on May 22, 2021 at 8:30 am

    What a cool city to visit! I especially love the flower field and the arboretum! Thanks for the great list of activities Taylor!

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:12 am

      Thank you Ophelie! Dallas definitely surprised me with what it offers. 🙂

  9. Sarah Blevins on May 22, 2021 at 8:37 am

    My sister lives in Dallas and we love visiting! The food scene there is top-notch and I was happy to see you mention Pecan Lodge. That is their favorite place for barbeque too!

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:13 am

      Ah that is awesome Sarah! Yes, my one friend who lives there is a foodie influencer and knew of a lot of great spots. 🙂

  10. Aga on May 22, 2021 at 8:42 am

    Sounds like a great day to me. I’d love to visit the Dallas Arboretum and the Bluebonnet field looks amazing.

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:13 am

      It definitely was Aga! You’d love Dallas. 🙂

  11. Shelley on May 22, 2021 at 9:03 am

    i haven’t been to dallas in about a decade, but it looks like a whole different town now. i love the 1 day itinerary because on my next trip to austin, i’m going to do a dallas day trip to find some murals & definitely hit up xoxo.

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:14 am

      Ah nice! You would totally love XOXO for brunch. Such a fun spot. 🙂

  12. Brittany on May 22, 2021 at 10:07 am

    Wow, it looks like you managed to squeeze it a lot during your day in Dallas! I would love to visit XOXO DIning Room & Garden for brunch, it looks fabulous. And the Texas bluebonnets are so gorgeous, too! I’ll definitely refer back to this post if I ever make it back to Dallas. Thanks for sharing, Taylor!

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:15 am

      Thank you Brittany! It was such a fun city and offered more than I expected. 🙂 The bluebonnets were so stunning. 🙂

  13. Courtney Shepperd on May 22, 2021 at 12:10 pm

    I love this! I spent a day in Dallas about five years ago and I’m dying to go back. You always find the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants! I’m loving the look of the XOXO Dining Room! Adding it to my list of places to visit.

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:16 am

      Thank you Courtney! It was such a fun morning having brunch at XOXO Dining! 🙂

  14. Suvarna Arora on May 23, 2021 at 1:21 am

    Dallas looks beautiful and that XOXO dining room is just so gorgeous. I can stay there for hours taking pictutes.

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 9:40 am

      Yes, it was such a fun spot! I hope to explore more of the Dallas foodie scene in the future. 🙂

  15. Fiona on May 23, 2021 at 3:42 am

    Dallas looks like an amazing city to visit 🙂 The blue bonnets fields are so beautiful!! Great post Taylor.

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 9:41 am

      It definitely is! I loved visiting the bluebonnets! Thank you Fiona. 🙂

  16. Denise on May 23, 2021 at 5:14 pm

    I would definitely make a stop at XOXO, everything looks yummy and it looks like a fun place!

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      It really was a great place to enjoy brunch! 🙂

  17. Puloma Banerjee on May 30, 2021 at 3:32 pm

    Wow Dallas is a cool place to visit! The bluebonnets in fields are so serene and the xoxo dining room and garden is definitely top notch! Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

    • Taylor Deer on May 30, 2021 at 8:32 pm

      It really was a fun city to visit! 🙂

Leave a Comment





Taylor-Dallas

A woman enjoying a cocktail at Elm & Good during a one day adventure in Dallas

Dallas, Texas is a thriving city located in Northeastern Texas. It is the 9th largest city in the United States and it is also a metropolitan city shared with Fort Worth. Located in Dallas are great restaurants, museums, music venues, art galleries, hotels and so much more. Whether you’re spending a long time in Dallas or one day, there are endless things to enjoy!

During late April 2021, I visited Dallas, Texas with Alex of East Coast Contessa. We enjoyed one day in Dallas before heading north into Oklahoma where we spent the rest of our time doing a secluded getaway in the woods of Broken Bow with Linnea of Popovers and Passports and Andie of Airplane Andie.

A woman enjoying the Texas bluebonnets in Ennis

Even though Alex and I only spent one day and night in Dallas, Texas, we got to enjoy a lot of amazing things the city offers, including a half day trip to see the Texas bluebonnets. In addition, we also stayed at the posh and trendy Kimpton Pittman Hotel Dallas located in the Deep Ellum section of the city.

In this article, discover all of the top things to do with one day in Dallas and find out why it is one of the 40 best places to visit in Texas.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Dallas, Texas, Kimpton Pittman Hotel Dallas hosted me for one night. Elm & Good also hosted me for a brunch during my time in Dallas.


Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

One day in Dallas, Texas - what to do

Traveling to and around Dallas, Texas:

One Day in Dallas, Texas

It is fairly easy to get to Dallas from anywhere in the United States or the world because it offers major airport hubs. For my trip to Dallas, I took an affordable flight from New York’s LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York to Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas. The best way to get from the airport to your accommodation is via Go Airport Shuttle!

Once I was in Dallas, I got around via Uber and Lyft. Other ways to get around is through Dallas’ public transportation services. There is a light rail network, a single commuter train, city buses, streetcars and taxis.

If you are looking to explore beyond Dallas and adventure around Texas or other surrounding states, I recommend renting a car. (Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)

Staying at Kimpton Pittman Hotel in Dallas:

A woman enjoying breakfast at Kimpton Pittman Dallas during her one day and night in the city

During my one day and night in Dallas, I stayed at the stunning Kimpton Pittman Hotel. This luxurious boutique hotel is situated in Downtown Dallas’ Deep Ellum area where legendary 1920’s blues musicians once played.

I got one of the best night’s sleep during my time at Pittman Hotel Dallas because the beds at Kimpton are extremely comfortable! Our Essential Two Queens room included two cozy queen-sized beds, a spacious en-suite bathroom, Atelier Bloem bath amenities and modern décor. We were also welcomed to a lovely breakfast in our room that consisted of Southern biscuits with homemade jams, fresh fruit and Bloody Mary’s.

The queen room at Kimpton Pittman Dallas for one day and night in the city

In addition to the Essential Two Queens room; there is an Essential One King room; King Spa Studio with a bathtub; Signature One King room and Signature Two Queens room. Click here to learn more.

There is also a plethora of suites to choose from at Kimpton Pittman Hotel. There is a One Bedroom Suite that has a king-size bed and spa bathroom with a tub; Historic King Suite; Historic Queen Suite; Presidential Suite with a living and dining area, kitchen and bar, parlor and luxury suite bathroom; Epic Suite and the Pittman Suite.  

The lobby at Pittman Hotel Dallas

Overall, Pittman Hotel Dallas is a true gem in the city because not only does it offer a stunning lobby, cozy and clean rooms, modern conference rooms, a lovely restaurant and beautiful décor, there is also a pool with cabanas to enjoy on a warm day, fire pits to savor delicious s’mores on a cool evening and bikes you can rent to take around Dallas so that you can visit the many museums, parks, shops, etc.

The Pittman Hotel in Dallas also offers three dining options. Elm & Good, which is located inside of the hotel (and offers an outdoor patio), features seasonal, American tavern-inspired cooking. At this eclectic restaurant, you can savor wood-fired meats and vegetables along with handmade pastas and delicious farm-to-table meals. The bar at Elm & Good also offers creative cocktails, a renowned wine list and Dallas craft beers. All of the meals served at Elm & Good are made by Executive Chef Graham Dodds, who has received numerous awards for this cooking.

The pool at Kimpton Pittman Hotel Dallas

Deep End at Kimpton Pittman is a poolside service where you can enjoy delicious eats, refreshing beverages and so much more by the pool, cabanas and fire pits. The Pittman Hotel Dallas also offers private dining rooms for romantic occasions, business meetings, wedding receptions and more.

Overall, Kimpton Pittman Hotel Dallas is the perfect hotel to stay at if you’re on a day trip to Dallas, visiting the city, “staycationing” there or are on a business trip!

What to do with One Day in Dallas:

A woman enjoying brunch at XOXO Dining in Dallas, Texas during her one day in the city

Enjoy Brunch at XOXO Dining Room & Garden during 1 Day in Dallas:

XOXO Dining & Garden in Dallas

Since we were in Dallas on a Sunday, it was only appropriate to enjoy a lovely brunch in the city. Linnea is a Dallas foodie and she recommended a plethora of great restaurants for us to explore during our day in Dallas and one of those spots was XOXO Dining.

XOXO Dining - one of the best brunch spots during one day in Dallas

XOXO Dining Room & Garden is considered a speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge that came from inspiration by London’s famous Sketch restaurant. It is the perfect place to visit on a girls’ trip to Dallas and it makes for a wonderful birthday celebration, bachelorette party and more.

XOXO Dining in Dallas, Texas

This pretty pink building on the outside also has walls, booths and murals covered in blush pink with velvet accent seating and trendy décor. What is also epic about this lovely spot is that each booth has a “press for Champagne” button!

A bread basket to enjoy during one day in Dallas

Overall, XOXO Dining features American cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Zach Warner. During our brunch, both Alex and I got the “Pink Drink” that consisted of Ciroc Mango, champagne and strawberry juice. Next, we got the breadbasket that that had regular and chocolate croissants, biscuits, vanilla pound cake and pistachio pound cake, which was amazing! For our main meals, I had the chicken and waffles and Alex savored the lobster Benedict! Everything was delicious!

Chicken and waffles for burnch during one day in Dallas

If you’re looking for an amazing brunch spot during your one day in Dallas, definitely check out XOXO Dining Room & Garden you will not be disappointed.

Admire Beautiful Nature at Dallas Arboretum during Your Day Trip to Dallas:

Visiting the Dallas Arboretum during one day in Dallas

One of the top places to get your nature fix in Dallas, Texas is by visiting the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. In fact, this specific arboretum has been listed among the top arboretums in the world!

The top gardens to visit at the Dallas Arboretum are the Woman’s Garden, which features sculptures, fountains, an infinity pool and flowers; Jonsson Color Garden, which has picturesque beds of seasonal flowers and plants along with lush green lawns; the Red Maple Rill offers a fabulous collection of over 80 varieties of signature Japanese Maples; Crape Myrtle Allee, which are sweeping crape myrtle trees that enclose a romantic walkway to a gorgeous garden; Pecan Grove, which boasts an awesome fall festival with a beautiful pumpkin display; the rose garden that offers beautifully colorful roses and more!

These stunning 66 acres of flora and nature will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated during your one day in Dallas. In addition to all of the gardens, the Dallas Arboretum also hosts a lot of events and educational activities throughout the year!

Sip Crafted Cocktails at Happy Hour at Elm & Good:

Happy hour at Elm & Good during one day in Dallas

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Throughout Dallas are numerous bars and restaurants that offer a great happy hour scene. In fact, from what I experienced, Dallas had one of the most exciting happy hour scenes in the U.S. No matter where you decide to enjoy your afternoon cocktail, you can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor venues during your day trip in Dallas.

Since Alex and I were staying at the Pittman Hotel, we couldn’t wait to grab a crafted cocktail at Elm & Good! I absolutely loved the bar there and the bartender himself was amazing at his craft. I enjoyed the “Morado Oscuro”, which was a mezcal made with hibiscus, lime, vanilla and cayenne. Alex, being from Kentucky, had a smoked bourbon drink called “Smokin’ Mary” that included charred pineapple, orange cordial, lime and cranberry.

The presentation of these beverages were beautiful and they were both super tasty. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel or you live in Dallas, I definitely recommend making your way to this lovely spot for good food and drinks! A great part about it is that you can even take your meal and drinks outside by the pool.

Explore Dallas’ Sights to See – Go Mural Hunting:

Deep Ellum mural in Dallas, Texas

Spotted all throughout Dallas, Texas are a plethora of “Instagrammable” murals to admire and take photos in front of. Here is a list of the best spots in Dallas for pictures by Helene in Between, who is a Dallas native.

No matter where you wander to through the Deep Ellum area, you will not miss out on some beautiful murals. A few popular Deep Ellum murals you definitely have to see are the American Flag, “Believe in Yourself”, the Sun Mural, “Good Morning Dallas”, the iconic Deep Ellum Mural and more!

Savor a Delicious Dinner during Your One Day in Dallas:

A noodie dish for dinner during one day in Dallas

Not only does Dallas offer incredible brunch spots, bars and a great art scene, there are also numerous restaurants that you must check out for dinner during your fun day in the city.

During our one day in Dallas, Alex and I met up with our fellow travel blogger friend Shwetha of Chasing Shwetha, who lives in the city, and we enjoyed a delicious noodle dinner at Monkey King Noodle Company. This super casual spot offers outdoor and indoor dining and you can savor a variety of noodle dishes, dumplings, fried rice and craft beer. Everything was delicious!

In addition to Monkey King Noodle Company, some other great spots that were recommended to me were rise n°1, which is a soufflé restaurant, Pecan Lodge for Texas barbecue, Pepe’s & Mito’s Mexican Café for Tex Mex and Lucia for Italian food in Dallas.

Overall, Texas is known for it’s delicious BBQ and Tex Mex. I actually had the best Tex Mex dinner of my life at a restaurant I don’t (unfortunately) remember when I visited Houston for a work trip in 2016 and I also had the best barbecue lunch during my time in Austin when I visited for TravelCon in 2018.

Do a Half Day Trip to Ennis from Dallas to see the Texas Bluebonnets:

A woman enjoying bluebonnet season in Ennis, Texas

A trip to Dallas, Texas, especially during the month of April, would not be complete without seeing the bluebonnets. If you didn’t already know, the bluebonnet is the Texas state flower and you can spot them in various parts of the state, but mainly outside of Houston, Austin and Dallas.

Seeing the Texas Bluebonnets had been on my bucket list for a while and I was so excited when Linnea told us that they were still in bloom when we visited the Dallas area. We actually got extremely lucky that we were able to see the bluebonnets! The Texas Bluebonnets are usually in peak bloom from early to mid-April and are dead by the end of April. (Sometimes, they even peak at the end of March. It all depends on the weather during the seasons. Since Texas experienced a cold winter, the blooms came out later in April.)

Texas Bluebonnets in Ennis

The bluebonnet is a weed that got its name because the flower looks like a bonnet worn by pioneer women to protect them from the sun. Located less than 45 minutes south of Dallas is a rural town called Ennis. (It is best that you rent a car to get there, thankfully, since Linnea lives in Dallas, she was able to drive us all with her own car.) Every year, during bluebonnet season, Ennis has their own Bluebonnet Trails and Festival!

Depending on when you go, the bluebonnets are in full bloom in specific spots. You may have to drive around and search for them, but we came across these specific fields on Zmolek Road, which is part of the South Trail. This field is actually located on someone’s property, but the gentleman who lives there is very welcoming and allows visitors to enjoy his bluebonnets for free! He will even take you on his tractor to the backyard of the house, which has a yellow chair in the middle of the fields! These Dallas flower fields are absolutely beautiful!

Women in Ennis bluebonnet fields

*Please note that prior to visiting Ennis (or anywhere in Texas) that it is actually illegal to pick the bluebonnets on state own land (like State Parks) because it is the State Flower.

The bluebonnet fields are also home to fire ants. I highly recommend wearing closed toe shoes when you visit these fields because these little ants bite and they sting! (I know from experience LOL.)

Bonus – Start the Day with Brunch at Elm & Good:

Brunch at Elm & Good during one day in Dallas

In addition to a great lunch, dinner and drink menu, Elm & Good in Kimpton Pittman Hotel offers an amazing weekend and weekday brunch for guests, locals and Dallas visitors to enjoy.

After spending the night at Pittman Hotel Dallas, there was nothing better than grabbing brunch at Elm & Good to fuel up for our road trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma. During our brunch, both Alex and I had mimosas and lattes. Meal-wise, I enjoyed the all-American breakfast of fried eggs, bacon, potatoes and rye toast and Alex savored the brisket breakfast hash that came with over-easy eggs, potatoes, red onions, herbs and piquillo vin. Everything was awesome!

Discover other Points of Interest in Dallas, TX:

Below are other great spots to visit and things to do in Dallas in a day from tours to shops:

Click here to book a Dallas walking tour during your one day excursion.


A woman in the bluebonnet fields of Ennis, Texas

Here are other great U.S. cities to visit:

What to do with One Day in Charlotte

One Day in Boise, Idaho

One Day in Mystic, Connecticut

Planning a memorable USA trip? Find more USA travel tips here.

Overall, we had the best day in Dallas! I hope you all enjoyed discovering the top things to do with one day in Dallas, Texas and reading about my experience at Kimpton Pittman Hotel in Deep Ellum. If you have any questions about my time in Dallas, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of the United States:

Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., TX State Capital: Austin, Time Zone: Most of Texas, including Dallas, is on Central Standard Time, except for West Texas, which is on Mountain Standard Time.

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

Shop my Dallas Look:

Click here to shop my Poshmark closet!

34 Comments

  1. Kim Deer on May 18, 2021 at 11:42 pm

    Dallas, Texas looks so beautiful ~ love the hotel you stayed at, the great restaurants you ate at, breweries and blue bonnet blooms ~ looks like you had an amazing time ~ love all the beautiful photos of you! Love you, mom 👩 xoxo ♥️

    • Taylor Deer on May 19, 2021 at 1:16 pm

      Thank you mom! It was such a nice short stay and I was so happy to have seen the bluebonnets when I was there. 🙂 Love you too!

  2. Katie on May 19, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    Wow the flower field looks amazing!!! I love seeing all of your domestic travels! They are always so unique!

    • Taylor Deer on May 19, 2021 at 1:17 pm

      It was so beautiful there and thank you Katie! The U.S. definitely has a ton of unique spots all throughout. 🙂

  3. Cosette on May 19, 2021 at 1:48 pm

    Would love to see the Blue Bonnet fields in bloom, they look so beautiful. We only visited Fort Worth when we were in the area, and skipped Dallas, but it looks like we need to come back.

    • Taylor Deer on May 19, 2021 at 7:17 pm

      Yes, I highly recommend revisiting during bluebonnet season. The weather was absolutely beautiful! 🙂

  4. Bri on May 19, 2021 at 7:11 pm

    I’ve always wanted to visit Dallas, Austin, and other cities in Texas since my grandmother is Texan! Beautiful photos, Taylor!

    • Taylor Deer on May 19, 2021 at 7:18 pm

      Thank you Bri! Both Dallas and Austin were great cities. I personally didn’t care too much for Houston though.

  5. Jenny on May 21, 2021 at 8:26 pm

    I’d love to go to Dallas! It’s on my list of places to try get to this year. Those bluebonnets are so beautiful, great photos. I’ll be saving this for ideas for later 🙂

    • Taylor Deer on May 21, 2021 at 8:31 pm

      Thank you Jenny! It’s a fun city with a lot to do. 🙂

  6. lisa on May 21, 2021 at 9:15 pm

    OMG, you got so much done in one day! you’re making me want to plan a spontaneous trip out to dallas for the weekend!!

    • Taylor Deer on May 21, 2021 at 11:10 pm

      Ah thank you Lisa! You totally should go. There are a lot of fun things to do there. 🙂

  7. Poonam on May 22, 2021 at 12:00 am

    I’m such a sucker for brunch and XOXO Dining looks fantastic. I haven’t been to Dallas or any part of Texas but definitely hope to soon!

    • Taylor Deer on May 22, 2021 at 12:49 am

      Yes, XOXO Dining was so much fun and the food was really good as well! Overall, Dallas is a great city. 🙂

  8. Ophelie on May 22, 2021 at 8:30 am

    What a cool city to visit! I especially love the flower field and the arboretum! Thanks for the great list of activities Taylor!

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:12 am

      Thank you Ophelie! Dallas definitely surprised me with what it offers. 🙂

  9. Sarah Blevins on May 22, 2021 at 8:37 am

    My sister lives in Dallas and we love visiting! The food scene there is top-notch and I was happy to see you mention Pecan Lodge. That is their favorite place for barbeque too!

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:13 am

      Ah that is awesome Sarah! Yes, my one friend who lives there is a foodie influencer and knew of a lot of great spots. 🙂

  10. Aga on May 22, 2021 at 8:42 am

    Sounds like a great day to me. I’d love to visit the Dallas Arboretum and the Bluebonnet field looks amazing.

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:13 am

      It definitely was Aga! You’d love Dallas. 🙂

  11. Shelley on May 22, 2021 at 9:03 am

    i haven’t been to dallas in about a decade, but it looks like a whole different town now. i love the 1 day itinerary because on my next trip to austin, i’m going to do a dallas day trip to find some murals & definitely hit up xoxo.

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:14 am

      Ah nice! You would totally love XOXO for brunch. Such a fun spot. 🙂

  12. Brittany on May 22, 2021 at 10:07 am

    Wow, it looks like you managed to squeeze it a lot during your day in Dallas! I would love to visit XOXO DIning Room & Garden for brunch, it looks fabulous. And the Texas bluebonnets are so gorgeous, too! I’ll definitely refer back to this post if I ever make it back to Dallas. Thanks for sharing, Taylor!

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:15 am

      Thank you Brittany! It was such a fun city and offered more than I expected. 🙂 The bluebonnets were so stunning. 🙂

  13. Courtney Shepperd on May 22, 2021 at 12:10 pm

    I love this! I spent a day in Dallas about five years ago and I’m dying to go back. You always find the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants! I’m loving the look of the XOXO Dining Room! Adding it to my list of places to visit.

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 1:16 am

      Thank you Courtney! It was such a fun morning having brunch at XOXO Dining! 🙂

  14. Suvarna Arora on May 23, 2021 at 1:21 am

    Dallas looks beautiful and that XOXO dining room is just so gorgeous. I can stay there for hours taking pictutes.

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 9:40 am

      Yes, it was such a fun spot! I hope to explore more of the Dallas foodie scene in the future. 🙂

  15. Fiona on May 23, 2021 at 3:42 am

    Dallas looks like an amazing city to visit 🙂 The blue bonnets fields are so beautiful!! Great post Taylor.

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 9:41 am

      It definitely is! I loved visiting the bluebonnets! Thank you Fiona. 🙂

  16. Denise on May 23, 2021 at 5:14 pm

    I would definitely make a stop at XOXO, everything looks yummy and it looks like a fun place!

    • Taylor Deer on May 23, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      It really was a great place to enjoy brunch! 🙂

  17. Puloma Banerjee on May 30, 2021 at 3:32 pm

    Wow Dallas is a cool place to visit! The bluebonnets in fields are so serene and the xoxo dining room and garden is definitely top notch! Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

    • Taylor Deer on May 30, 2021 at 8:32 pm

      It really was a fun city to visit! 🙂

Leave a Comment





Related posts

Best Fall Weekend Trips from NJ: Top Road Trip Ideas

Not only is New Jersey one of the best places to experience the fall with its beautiful foliage and fun...
check out the post

20 Best Places to Spend New Year’s in the USA:

There is nothing more fun than a New Year Celebration! From watching the famous ball drop in Times Square, NYC,...
check out the post

14 Best Countries to Visit in August in the World

August is the perfect time to go on one last summer trip before the fall season starts and the kids...
check out the post